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04 Nov, 2022 by Erica jackson
YAY! So excited for Attorney Bruce Rice!!!
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19 Oct, 2021 by Sharon w
08 Feb, 2021 by Christine kelly
04 Nov, 2022 by Erica jackson
YAY! So excited for Attorney Bruce Rice!!!
Read more
19 Oct, 2021 by Sharon w
08 Feb, 2021 by Christine kelly
04 Nov, 2022 by Erica jackson
YAY! So excited for Attorney Bruce Rice!!!
Read more
19 Oct, 2021 by Sharon w
08 Feb, 2021 by Christine kelly
16 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Slow to return calls, at very last minute before trail told me that I would have to pay her an additional $3000.00
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09 May, 2024 by Dr shara brown
Attorney Robert Andretz represented me during a challenging time when my ex-husband filed a false accusation against my medical license. Unfortunately, my experience with him was disappointing. Despite charging me for his services on an hourly basis, he provided minimal assistance, often repeating information without taking meaningful action. Towards the end of our engagement, he requested an additional $5,000 retainer to proceed to trial, despite already holding a substantial retainer from me. As a non-legal professional, I trusted his guidance and ended up signing a consent order without fully understanding my options, which ultimately led to severe consequences including job loss, license suspension, and unemployment.
Upon conducting my own research, I discovered that I may not have been rightfully charged in the first place due to my credentials in controlled substance abuse and relevant licenses. It's clear that Mr. Andretz’s lack of proactive representation and failure to adequately inform me of my rights had detrimental effects on my career and livelihood. As Dr. Shara Brown, I strongly advise others to seek legal counsel elsewhere for more competent and transparent assistance.
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22 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
Hired this attorney with high expectations, she talked the talk but when in court would let other attorney and judge run the show, she is inexperienced at her job and ignores emails, phone calls, and after trying to call her for days I would have to go over her head or contact opposing attorney and only then would she return calls and scold me and tell me not to do that again... I'm still waiting for my settlement and she gave all that responsibility to other attorney ..
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12 Apr, 2014 by Michelle
I had a criminal case and we hired chapman. chapman did NOT keep me informed on our court dates. I ALWAYS had to call the court to make I had the correct court date. Chapman would get the calls from the court for all the dates that were changed. there were 2 instances where he called me from court and said get down here now! I said why court is not due for another 2 weeks. then he yelled at me and told me I was wrong. I told the judge I need a new lawyer cause chapman was mean to me and lied about not telling me about our court dates. Chapman did not work on my case at all. I had to hire someone else to get relief from this mess. I also took chapman to smalls claims court to win my money back as he breeched the contract and was neglectful, VERY NEGLECTFUL! I do not in any way shape or form want anyone to hire chapman!!! he caused GREAT anxiety and damage to my case!
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14 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
This referee, mine bottled myself at first. Didn't look at anything provided by myself. Especially since I didn't have counsel, but yet my ex-wife did. Uh, when I did provide any evidence she straight said I did not read anything that you submitted, sir. Once I explained how my income works ( vA military disability) which states that I get paid for not only the biological children? I have with my ex wife too, but also two stepchildren and my other biological daughter I have with my current wife and I get paid for having my current wife.So my ex wife gets paid for having my depends which when I did explain that to her and showed her the military pay chart from the department of defense, she flat out, said, sir, you do not understand what you are talking about and muted me on zoom, even though I was not rude. Interrupting, or anything like also, told my ex-wife that she does not have to prove that my children are in daycare. You know, my children aren't and I pay text. Amount of dollars extra A month for children who don't need daycare cause they're old. Enough not to have it. And also, she works from home and she still has not informed the courts that, but yet I still have to pay it. I am so terrified to go back to the third circuit court, due to this horrible, horrible experience, i've had with miss Biggar the incredible bias she has showed not just to myself, but also she has scene my wife in a case against your ex-husband and completely told my wife that she's A. Terrible mother with no evidence to the contrary and was allowed to basically tell my wife that she is a horrible person. For no reason, that kind of language and disgusting rhetoric proves that doesn't matter how much evidence you prove. No matter what gender you are, referees and judge, don't care about one the law and how it actually Pertains to each individual case, but it also, they don't care about the humanity and how many lives and or families they break up, even though their motto is" keeping families together"
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09 May, 2024 by Dr shara brown
Attorney Robert Andretz represented me during a challenging time when my ex-husband filed a false accusation against my medical license. Unfortunately, my experience with him was disappointing. Despite charging me for his services on an hourly basis, he provided minimal assistance, often repeating information without taking meaningful action. Towards the end of our engagement, he requested an additional $5,000 retainer to proceed to trial, despite already holding a substantial retainer from me. As a non-legal professional, I trusted his guidance and ended up signing a consent order without fully understanding my options, which ultimately led to severe consequences including job loss, license suspension, and unemployment.
Upon conducting my own research, I discovered that I may not have been rightfully charged in the first place due to my credentials in controlled substance abuse and relevant licenses. It's clear that Mr. Andretz’s lack of proactive representation and failure to adequately inform me of my rights had detrimental effects on my career and livelihood. As Dr. Shara Brown, I strongly advise others to seek legal counsel elsewhere for more competent and transparent assistance.
Read more
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
